Paul Dee Obituary

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — Paul Dee, who was Miami's athletic director from 1993 through 2008 and continued serving the school as a member of its faculty, has died, university officials said Sunday. He was 65.

During his tenure as athletic director Dee oversaw Miami's move from the Big East to the Atlantic Coast Conference, as well as the construction of the Hurricanes' on-campus basketball arena and other projects. The Hurricanes won national championships in football and baseball during Dee's time running the department.

The university said Dee died Saturday night.

"We lost a teacher, leader, friend and a truly loyal man today," Miami athletic director Shawn Eichorst said. "Paul Dee devoted every ounce of energy and passion to the University of Miami over many, many years. The Hurricane family sends its condolences and grieves along with his family and friends."

Before serving as its AD, Dee started work as Miami's general counsel in 1981.

"The entire University of Miami community is saddened by the loss of Paul Dee," Miami President Donna Shalala said. "A proud alumnus, he will be remembered for his distinguished career and service to the University."

Dee also was a member of the NCAA's committee on infractions, most notably when sanctions — including a bowl ban, scholarship reductions and forfeiture of games — came down against Southern California in 2010, all stemming from improper benefits given to then-Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush by sports marketers. Dee chaired the committee at the time, then saying "higher-profile players require higher-profile monitoring."
Those words were oft-repeated a year later, when Miami found itself dealing with another high-profile NCAA scandal.

Widespread claims came out in 2011 of extra benefits having been provided by rogue booster and convicted Ponzi scheme architect Nevin Shapiro during an eight-year span, much of which occurred during Dee's time as athletic director. That investigation is ongoing, with sanctions possible in the coming months.

"I don't think any of us had any idea what he was doing," Dee said last year.

Dee was a past recipient of the James W. McLamore Outstanding Service Award, something Miami established to recognize service to the university that went "above and beyond the call of duty," plus earned the school's Faculty Senate Award of Merit and President's Medal in 2008. He was also a member of the University of Miami and Palm Beach County sports halls of fame, as well as the Orange Bowl committee.

Dee was remembered for a huge commitment for strengthening the Hurricanes' programs in women's sports.

"Paul Dee was as generous, kind and patient as anyone I've ever met in athletics," Miami women's basketball coach Katie Meier said. "His vision for intercollegiate athletics was based on integrity and equality. I will miss my mentor, adviser and friend."

Dee graduated from Florida in 1970 with a degree in political science before earning a master's degree from Miami in 1973 and a law degree there four years later.

"Ever since I came to Miami, I've loved Miami," Dee said in a 2007 interview with The Associated Press.

Dee was the former football conference chairman for the Big East, then held the same role for the ACC in 2006 and 2007. He also served on the ACC's finance, television and men's basketball committees. He was a member of the Florida Bar and was honored several times by the Boy Scouts of America and other civic organizations.

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — Paul Dee, who was Miami's athletic director from 1993 through 2008 and continued serving the school as a member of its faculty, has died, university officials said Sunday. He was 65.

During his tenure as athletic director Dee oversaw Miami's move from the Big East to the Atlantic Coast Conference, as well as the construction of the Hurricanes' on-campus basketball arena and other projects. The Hurricanes won national championships in football and baseball during Dee's time running the department.

The university said Dee died Saturday night.

"We lost a teacher, leader, friend and a truly loyal man today," Miami athletic director Shawn Eichorst said. "Paul Dee devoted every ounce of energy and passion to the University of Miami over many, many years. The Hurricane family sends its condolences and grieves along with his family and friends."

Before serving as its AD, Dee started work as Miami's general counsel in 1981.

"The entire University of Miami community is saddened by the loss of Paul Dee," Miami President Donna Shalala said. "A proud alumnus, he will be remembered for his distinguished career and service to the University."

Dee also was a member of the NCAA's committee on infractions, most notably when sanctions — including a bowl ban, scholarship reductions and forfeiture of games — came down against Southern California in 2010, all stemming from improper benefits given to then-Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush by sports marketers. Dee chaired the committee at the time, then saying "higher-profile players require higher-profile monitoring."
Those words were oft-repeated a year later, when Miami found itself dealing with another high-profile NCAA scandal.

Widespread claims came out in 2011 of extra benefits having been provided by rogue booster and convicted Ponzi scheme architect Nevin Shapiro during an eight-year span, much of which occurred during Dee's time as athletic director. That investigation is ongoing, with sanctions possible in the coming months.

"I don't think any of us had any idea what he was doing," Dee said last year.

Dee was a past recipient of the James W. McLamore Outstanding Service Award, something Miami established to recognize service to the university that went "above and beyond the call of duty," plus earned the school's Faculty Senate Award of Merit and President's Medal in 2008. He was also a member of the University of Miami and Palm Beach County sports halls of fame, as well as the Orange Bowl committee.

Dee was remembered for a huge commitment for strengthening the Hurricanes' programs in women's sports.

"Paul Dee was as generous, kind and patient as anyone I've ever met in athletics," Miami women's basketball coach Katie Meier said. "His vision for intercollegiate athletics was based on integrity and equality. I will miss my mentor, adviser and friend."

Dee graduated from Florida in 1970 with a degree in political science before earning a master's degree from Miami in 1973 and a law degree there four years later.

"Ever since I came to Miami, I've loved Miami," Dee said in a 2007 interview with The Associated Press.

Dee was the former football conference chairman for the Big East, then held the same role for the ACC in 2006 and 2007. He also served on the ACC's finance, television and men's basketball committees. He was a member of the Florida Bar and was honored several times by the Boy Scouts of America and other civic organizations.

Guest Book Highlights

"I had the good fortune of teaching with Paul at Glades Central High School. I followed his great career on the internet and was not supprised by his successes. I was so sorry to hear of his death and I know he is missed by many."- Nancy (Kate) Shaffer (Massillon, OH)

"No one can know exactly how you feel, but may it help to know that my thoughts and prayers are with your family, May it comfort you to know that I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. You're in my thoughts now, and in the days to come. You have my..."

"To the DEE family sorry for your loss may GOD give you his love, peace, and strength in this time of sorrow. May he R.I.P -|-" (Gilroy, CA)

"I am so sorry for the loss of Mr. Dee. In the near future we will be able to welcome her back to a paradise here on earth. May God provide the needed comfort and strength during this difficult time."

"I too lived in Terry's neighborhood. In fact, his parents were my brother Patrick's godparents. We always had a running joke going in our house that whenever my mother wanted the house cleaned quickly that she would announce that the Dee's were..."- Margaret Tuma (Pekin, IN)

Other obituaries

Published in the Miami Herald on May 15, 2012

DEE, PAUL, ESQ. It is with great sadness that the family of beloved Paul Dee announces his passing on May 12, 2012 at the age of 65. He was born on January 6, 1947 in Hoboken, New Jersey and grew...
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Published in The Palm Beach Post from May 13 to June 12, 2012

Former University of Miami athletic director dies at age 65
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Former University of Miami athletic director Paul Dee died Saturday.
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